There are few places in Rome where the food competes so successfully with the view. At Settimo, the rooftop restaurant and lounge perched atop the elegant Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese are equally memorable.
Located on the hotel’s seventh floor, Settimo offers sweeping views across the rooftops of Rome, stretching toward the unmistakable dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. As the sun begins its descent over the Eternal City, the terrace becomes one of Rome’s most enchanting dining destinations, combining refined cuisine with one of the city’s most spectacular sunset panoramas. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio, whose culinary philosophy focuses on simplicity, authenticity, seasonality, and contemporary interpretations of Roman traditions.
A Sunset Worth Arriving Early For
Before the first plate arrived, Rome was already putting on a show.
Golden light washed across the city skyline as the sun slowly dipped behind the distant hills. From our table, the rooftops glowed in shades of amber and terracotta while church domes and historic landmarks emerged from the evening haze. Settimo’s location provides a remarkable vantage point over the city, making it just as much a sightseeing experience as a culinary one.
With a glass in hand and the sunset unfolding before us, it quickly became clear why Settimo has become one of Rome’s most sought-after rooftop dining experiences.
Beginning with the Chef’s Selection
Our meal started with the Antipasto dello Chef da Condividere per Due (Chef’s Appetizer Selection to Share for Two), an impressive showcase of textures, flavors, and creativity.
Among the highlights was a beautifully crisp fried zucchini blossom that shattered delicately with each bite, paired with rich and flavourful accompaniments that balanced indulgence with freshness. The assortment offered a wonderful introduction to Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio’s culinary philosophy—deeply rooted in Roman traditions while embracing modern presentation and technique.
The menu at Settimo celebrates the ingredients and flavors of Lazio, and this opening course immediately conveyed a strong sense of place. Every component felt carefully considered, encouraging us to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the changing colors of the Roman sunset.
A Roman Classic Reimagined
For our pasta course, we selected the Tortello Ripieno alla Carbonara, Spuma di Pecorino con Tartufo di Stagione(Tortello Filled with Carbonara, Pecorino Cheese Foam with Seasonal Truffle).
Few dishes are more closely associated with Rome than carbonara, and Settimo’s interpretation is both respectful and inventive.
The familiar flavors of guanciale, pecorino, and egg were transformed into a delicate tortello that delivered all the richness of the classic Roman dish in an elegant, contemporary format. The airy pecorino foam added a luxurious lightness, while the seasonal truffle contributed an earthy aroma that elevated every bite.
It perfectly illustrated what makes Settimo’s cuisine so compelling: authentic Roman flavors presented through a refined, modern lens.
A Main Course to Remember
For our main course, we chose the Filetto di Manzo Laziale Arrosto al Rosmarino e Foie Gras, Sugo di Arrosto, Patate Vitelotte e Verdure di Stagione (Local Lazio Beef Fillet Roasted with Rosemary and Foie Gras, Roast Jus, Vitelotte Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables).
The dish showcased the quality of regional ingredients that define so much of Italian cooking. The beef, sourced from Lazio, was beautifully cooked and exceptionally tender. The richness of the foie gras complemented the meat perfectly, while the rosemary added an unmistakably Mediterranean character.
Accompanied by colorful Vitelotte potatoes and seasonal vegetables, the dish struck an ideal balance between elegance and comfort. Every element was executed flawlessly, creating a main course worthy of the spectacular setting.
Authentic Roman Cuisine with a Contemporary Perspective
One of the most impressive aspects of dining at Settimo is how authentically Roman the menu feels.
Rather than relying on international fine-dining trends, Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Rome and the surrounding Lazio region. Throughout the menu, guests will find elevated interpretations of classic Roman flavors, alongside exceptional local ingredients such as ricciola (amberjack), astice affumicato(smoked lobster), cacio e pepe, seasonal asparagus, truffles, and regional meats.
The restaurant succeeds in celebrating Roman gastronomy without becoming overly traditional. Each dish feels connected to its roots while embracing contemporary techniques and presentation, creating a dining experience that is unmistakably Roman and distinctly modern.
Final Thoughts
Rome offers no shortage of exceptional restaurants, but few deliver the complete experience that Settimo does.
Watching the sun set over the Eternal City while enjoying beautifully prepared cuisine creates a travel memory that lingers long after the trip ends. From the inventive Chef’s appetizer selection and exceptional carbonara tortello to the outstanding beef fillet and show-stopping strawberry dessert, every course contributed to an evening that felt genuinely special.
For travelers seeking a memorable rooftop dining experience in Rome, Settimo at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese deserves a place near the top of the list. Come for the sunset, stay for the cuisine, and leave with a deeper appreciation for why Rome continues to enchant visitors generation after generation.
Planning Your Visit
For reservations and more information, visit Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace. Reservations around sunset are highly recommended to experience both the panoramic views and Chef D’Alessio’s remarkable cuisine at its finest.
